Microsoft Patents 'Handheld Gaming' Device

The internets are currently abuzz with the news that Microsoft has patented a handheld gaming console

The recently-approved patent is for a "multi-component gaming system" that will include "handheld devices and console devices." The proposed system will have "variable functionality and processing performance as determined by the number of components in the system."

The speculation is that there may be some kind of connectivity between the Microsoft Zune device and the Xbox 360, or even a totally seperate Microsoft handheld on the way.

"Just because there's a patent doesn't mean anything's announced or official," a Microsoft rep said. "And we don't comment on rumors or speculation."

So what do you think? Would you buy a Zune if it hooked to your 360? What would you like to see in a Gates approved handheld?